Dubai has quite a few major localities.  With the current construction frenzy  that is ongoing in the city, these localities are getting a transformation, where in the once integrated individual components of a locality are now found in these newly created micro communities that have been the result of the construction and property boom. 

Deira

First of these major localities is Deira.  It is found on the eastern side of the Dubai Creek.  Deira is often called “Old Dubai” as it was once the central hub of the city.  It is therefore unsurprising to find the city center in Deira, as well as numerous old heritage buildings and the minor port of Port Saeed.  However, its prominence as the city center had been declining in recent years due to the various developments found in other areas of the city.

One prominent feature of Deira is the different souks found within its locality.  Souks are traditional Arab markets, which have continued to thrive in spite of the convenience presented by the numerous shopping malls found in the city.  These souks are often categorized depending on the nature of merchandise that is predominantly sold there.  The most well-known of these souks are the gold souk, spice souk, perfume souk, electronics souk, and the covered souk.  Except for the covered souk, wherein a variety of merchandise is sold, these souks are conveniently named after the chief products sold there.

Like most places in Dubai, Deira also has several tourist attractions which primarily showcase the history of the city.   First of these is the Heritage House.  Built in 1890, it first served as the residence of a wealthy Iranian merchant.  Later, in 1910, the structure became the home of the famous pearl merchant, Sheikk Ahmed bin Dalmouk.  It is now a museum, which was restored to showcase a local turn-of-the-century home. 

Another tourist attraction in Deira is Burj Nahar.  This ancient city was founded in 1870, with three watch towers guarding over it.  One of these towers is positioned in Deira and is also referred to as Burj Nahar.  This magnificent and beautiful tower is a frequented destination for tourists and a favorite subject for photographers.

Deira also shares the construction boom that has taken over the entire city.  The most anticipated of these developments is the Palm Deira.  The largest amongst the three Palm Islands, the Palm started its construction in 2004.  It is envisioned to be a combination of residential properties, commercial establishments, sports facilities, clubs, and marinas. Another significant development in Deira is the Deira City Center shopping mall.  Situated on a crossroad to Sharja, Bur Dubai and the Airport, it is the most frequented shopping mall in Dubai and famous for its shopping, entertainment, and leisure features.  This vast complex consists of a 2-level structure for the mall that houses 300 retail and service shops, the popular hypermarket Carrefour, Cinestar cinemas, the family complex Magic Planet, an 11-storey office tower, and the Sofitel City Centre Hotel and Residence.

Bur Dubai

Another major locality is Bur Dubai, which is found on the other side of the Dubai Creek from Deira.  This historical district features many tourist attractions, as well as other institutions and establishments found on the other side of the creek.  Its name is a literal translation of “mainland Dubai”, referring to the separation of the locality from Deira because of the creek, and because it historically consisted of all the districts found on the western bank and Jumeirah.

As of late, Bur Dubai and Deira were the business districts of the city.  However, the recent development of office towers along the Sheikh Zayed Road, as well as the future developments of Burj Dubai and Business Bay has shifted business focus to these areas.

However, Bur Dubai is still a much sought-after residential area, tourist destination, and a regular shopping and entertainment center.

As a residential area, bur Dubai is quite popular with expatriates of all nationalities due to its convenient central location.  Most expatriates choose to reside in multi-rise apartment blocks, an is in close proximity to shopping malls, supermarkets, other small retail shops, most service establishments, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Retail center in Bur Dubai range from modern shopping malls, such as the BurJuman Centre and the ones found on Bank Street and along Mankhool Road, to the traditional souks near the creek.  Similarly, food shopping in Bur Dubai range from bulk, discount purchases in the souks to the gourmet shopping in the malls.

Significant tourist destinations in Bur Dubai include the area of Al Shindagha, wherein the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum’s
House and the Heritage & Diving Village are located.  The Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort is located further inland, as the historical residential district of the Bastakiya Quarter.

Jumeirah

Jumeirah is a much sought-after coastal residential area, particularly with Western expatriates working in Dubai.  The area is familiar to many tourists visiting the city, and is synonymous with exclusivity due to the many exclusive and luxurious developments found there.  Jumeirah is also a bit of a medical district due to the plethora of private clinics and day surgery centers that offers anything from sports physiotherapy to cosmetic surgery. 

As a residential area, Jumeirah sports the most luxurious villas with the most expensive prices to match its exclusivity.    Due to the high rental prices, vacancies in older villas that offer much affordable rates are quite rare.  On the other hand, as a retail center, Jumeirah has a wide selection of shopping centers.  Most of the shopping centers are found along the whole stretch of the Jumeirah Road, otherwise known as the Beach Road.  The most prestigious of these shopping centers is Mercato, which is a Renaissance-themed center and houses many distinguished brands.

The famous tourist attractions in Jumeirah include the Jumeirah

Mosque, which is the only mosque in the emirate open to non-Muslims, and the art gallery Majlis Ghorfat Umm Al Sheif.  The area’s beaches are the primary attractions for tourists in Jumeirah.  One of the most popular beaches is the Jumeirah Open Beach and the more private Jumeirah Beach Park.

Al Karama

Al Karama is primarily a residential area that sports much affordable property and rental values.  Its central location and less expensive rental prices makes it an ideal location for anyone who seeks for a reasonable accommodation among the increasing luxurious residences that are taking over the residential sector of Dubai.  Most common residences found in the area are low rise apartments and flats, which may range from studio-types to 3-bedroom living spaces. 

In terms of retail features, Karama also offers an inexpensive shopping experience.  The center of the locality is an open-air shopping area that is composed of two central streets lined with small shops.  Almost every kind of merchandise can be found in the area, from suitcases, clothes, kitsch fluffy camels, to Armani silver jewelry.  The fish and vegetable market also provides the same stretch on a buyer’s budget, particularly on fresh produce and for second-hand furniture’s.  The Al Karama Shopping area is the main attraction for tourists to visit the area, as well as for the many inexpensive restaurants that specializes in Arabian, Indian, Sri Lankan, Singaporean, Pakistani, and Filipino cuisine.

Oud Metha and Umm Hurair

Found at the center of the city, right next to Karama, are the localities of Oud Metha & Umm Hurair.  These areas are popular residential areas, as well as an acclaimed shopping, recreational, educational, and social district.

Most of the residences are found in Oud Metha, wherein they are most commonly in the form of low-rise apartment blocks.  In spite of the lack of variety in residences, the area’s easy accessibility to highways and close proximity to facilities and retail establishments still makes the area quite popular.  Premier shopping centers in these areas are he Wafi Mall in Um Hurair and the Lamcy Plaza in Oud Metha.  The former is more affluent and carries the most exclusive names in Dubai, while the latter provides a wide range shopping experience, and houses the popular children’s play area Loulou Al Dugong’s.

These areas also offer great leisure and entertainment options.  Found within these areas is the Al Nasr Leisureland, which features an amusement park, the fruit and garden Luna Park, bowling lanes, and an indoor ice-skating rink. Another park found within these areas is the Creek side Park, as well as the water and themed amusement park of WonderLand.  A wide variety of restaurants are also found within the areas, as well as the luxury hotels Movenpick and the Grand Hyatt.

Al Garhoud

Situated between the Dubai Creek and Deira, north of the Al Garhoud Bridge, is the locality of Al Garhoud.  It consists of a much sought-after, albeit small, residential area, commercial areas, a few well-established hotels, and several prominent schools.  Also found in the area are the Century Village, Dubai Tennis Stadium, the Irish Village, and the Aviation Club.

The most common residence found in Al Garhoud is villas, which are much reasonably priced than those found in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.  However, its shopping district is not as prominent as those found in areas, yet provide much convenience to its residents.  These are all predicted to change with the completion of the Dubai Festival City, which is envisioned to be one of Dubai’s major commercial and entertainment complexes.  The said complex is also expected to draw more tourists into the area.

Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh

These two minor localities particularly the former, has undergone the most extensive construction boom among the localities in Dubai.  The man-made marina has seen the most construction of residences, which range from a few townhouses and villas, to apartments.  Prominent luxury 5-hotels are also in abundance in the area, such as the Ritz-Carlton, Royal Mirage, Sheraton Jumeirah, Le Meridien Mina, and the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah.  Al Sufouh has isolated clusters of villas, as well as home to the Media City, Internet City and the Knowledge Village.  The areas most prominent tourist attraction is the Dubai International Marine Club, which is a prime location for boating and sailing in the emirate.

Umm Suqeim   

Umm Suqeim features a pleasant residential neighborhood much attractive for families as the most common accommodation in thee area are low-rise villas with courtyards.  The rents, however, are much higher.  The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the major shopping center in Umm Suqeim, which is built to look like a traditional Arabian market. The most prominent attraction in the locality is the Burj Al Arab, which are the tallest hotel in the world and the only self-proclaimed 7-star hotel.  Likewise, the Wild Wadi is just as frequented by visitors who are in search of fun and recreational activity in the water.